MAGPIES IN SAFE HANDS WITH JAMIE
CHORLEY FC’s new manager Jamie Vermiglio called it a bittersweet moment when he was offered the job at Victory Park following the departure of Matt Jansen.
The former Blackburn Rovers forward resigned last week from the Magpies and within 24 hours the club had moved to replace him with their one-time captain.
Vermiglio said: “I was disappointed about how it has come about. The last thing I wanted was for Matt to resign.
“We’ve worked well over the last few years and built up a relationship from when we played together for Chorley, and he has allowed me to play a big part in managing alongside him.
“I’m forever indebted to him for the chance. The way it’s come about is bittersweet, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, one which I’m excited for and I can’t wait to get going.”
For the last two seasons, Chorley have endured heartbreak in the play-offs losing to FC Halifax in the 2017 final and then to Harrogate Town in the semi-final last season.
However, that has spurred the former Telford United midfielder on to take the Lancashire club to the next step.
He said: “Naturally like every manager, I’m going to go into every game wanting to win.
“It’s a tough league with some excellent opposition who have done well and a lot of good managers.
“Winning the league is the main aim, but the play-offs would be the minimum and would be a good second best, and I think that is every manager’s aim.
“We would also love a good run in the FA Cup to put the club on the map.”
Under Jansen, the club had started their recruitment for the new season bringing in Cameron Belford, Courtney Meppen-Walters, Louis Almond and Wes York, as well as retain- ing the majority of last season’s team.
Vermiglio is keen to add to what he has got.
He said: “I’m always looking to improve like every other manager, but I’ve got a good squad at the moment.
Recruitment
“I’m still on the lookout even if I did come in as manager quite late. But, like I said, I helped Matt with the recruitment they are not just his players, but also my players and Jonathon Smith’s players. “We’ve done our research on them and we think they will improve the team, but I want to make a signing of my own, I’m looking to bring in one or possibly two players to strengthen the team. “I’m not going to sign someone just for the sake of it. Our budget and money have been highly publicised and we haven’t got a massive amount of money, but I want to make sure I spend every penny I’ve got wisely.”
Around the club, Vermgilio is known as a real character, which is completely different from his day job where he adopts a serious attitude as a school teacher.
So which attitude will he take as the manager?
He said: “I like to think that I won’t change that much; I’m a likeable person and like to have a laugh.
“It’s a massive opportunity that I want to take seriously and professionally, at the same time I will be wanting to keep good relationships with the players, the staff, the board of directors and the fans.
“I still want to be the same person, but I also understand I’m here to be professional and need to make decisions and say things to get the best out of people.”